Egyptian Mau Facts &

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do you say  Mau ?

Mau rhymes with "MEOW" and is the ancient Egyptian word for cat.  The Egyptian Mau is a very old breed tracing its origins back to ancient Egypt.  There are depictions of spotted cats in the tombs of the Egyptians, and there is evidence from tomb paintings that the ancient Egyptians used these cats to help in the hunt for birds. 

 

What colours are there?

Egyptian Mau's come in  one of four colours:  silver, bronze, smoke, or black.  All of them have expressive gooseberry green eyes, and all but the black ones have leopard-like spots.  Black Mau's cannot be shown in the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) or TICA (The International Cat Association) but can be used in breeding programs.

 

How big are Egyptian Mau's and How fast can they run?

They are medium-sized.  Adult females weigh 6 to 8 pounds and males 8 to 12 pounds.  Egyptian Mau's are also the fastest domesticated breed of cat.  They can run at speeds of up to 55.2km/h or 36mp/h.

 

What type of personality do they have?

Mau's are fiercely loyal and form a close bond with their human companions.  They love to play and will play until they re panting, but they don t miss their naps either.  They will interact vocally and generally have a soft voice and a large repertoire of vocalizations. 

 

What is the Mau temperament like?

While most people are drawn to the Mau's for their exotic looks it is often their extraordinary personalities that endure. The Mau is a very gregarious and interactive cat that likes to be with people and other animals and join in with everything that is going on. A Mau will follow you around the house, ride on your shoulders and sit on your lap.  Mau's tend to bond very strongly to their owners and some Mau's can be shy of strangers. The Mau's are very athletic and will perform stunning leaps. They are moderately active but not as hyperactive as the Abyssinian; they are often referred to as the "gentle cousin" of the Aby. Mau's are very protective of their toys carrying them around and growling at anyone who threatens to remove them. They have a reputation for stealing judges' toys at cat shows and refusing to give them up! Mau's are extremely intelligent and will learn to open cupboards and draws, especially the ones where food and toys are kept. Many Mau's will play fetch (for what seems like hours) without any special training.